The use of noise cancelling headphones
Apr 19, 2011, 5:52 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: AKL
Posts: 59
The use of noise cancelling headphones
When flying domestic, I get told to take off my noise cancelling headphones during take-off/landing but noticed when flying international I don't get asked and notice other people wearing them.
Is that a double standard or are the attendants not bothering to police it on International flights?
I've noticed that music is available on the jackpoints in the international flight during take-off/landing, so is that why?
Is that a double standard or are the attendants not bothering to police it on International flights?
I've noticed that music is available on the jackpoints in the international flight during take-off/landing, so is that why?
Apr 19, 2011, 5:58 am
#2
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Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
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Posts: 50,262
The issue relates to the electronics which cause the headphones to "cancel" noise, not the use of headphones to listen. By way of example, UA (when the system works) pipes music virtually gate-to-gate and allows pax to listen. If one has headphones which have any form of electronics, they must be "off." Makes the music kind of muffled, but it's not the carrier.
Apr 19, 2011, 3:30 pm
#3
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Wellington
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I was always asked to take the headphones off I was plugged into the 737 sound system, some 737 still had the audio functions working. When I indicated that I was not using an individual electronic device they were ok with it. I guess they think that you are using a portable electronic device and want you to shut it down.
IMO the electronic 'noise' from the NC electronics would not be strong enough to interfere with the aircraft's electronics, and some airlines eg. JQ allow you to use them, as JQ has the audio feature enabled on their planes and as you point out NZ International A320 allow you to use then Gate to Gate.
IMO the electronic 'noise' from the NC electronics would not be strong enough to interfere with the aircraft's electronics, and some airlines eg. JQ allow you to use them, as JQ has the audio feature enabled on their planes and as you point out NZ International A320 allow you to use then Gate to Gate.
Apr 19, 2011, 7:34 pm
#4
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: This is a personal account and my views and opinions DON'T represent those of my employer.
Posts: 450
I checked our Cabin Safety Manual, and here we go:
Portable Electronic Devices Permitted for Use at Any Time
• Noise cancelling headsets. (Must not be connected to PED during
taxi-out, takeoff and landing.)
Then, a few bullet points down..
• Passengers’ own head-set that is not plugged into a power source or is
turned OFF if battery powered.
I think this could be clearer!
Portable Electronic Devices Permitted for Use at Any Time
• Noise cancelling headsets. (Must not be connected to PED during
taxi-out, takeoff and landing.)
Then, a few bullet points down..
• Passengers’ own head-set that is not plugged into a power source or is
turned OFF if battery powered.
I think this could be clearer!
Apr 21, 2011, 10:57 am
#8
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,114
Our policy at Qantas, and imagine it is along the same lines here is that noise cancelling headphones are OK, be it your own or the airline ones, provided you are connected to the aircraft system. That way you can hear any announcement that is made.
If you wish to use it for your own device, then you must have the power off during taxi, take-off and landing.
If you wish to use it for your own device, then you must have the power off during taxi, take-off and landing.
Apr 21, 2011, 8:47 pm
#9
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 5,984
Apr 22, 2011, 3:07 am
#10
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: My existence is what matters
Programs: NZ, QF
Posts: 469
I had the same experience as the OP. I almost always listened to songs or podcast from my ipod nano onboard, so it seems consistent with what nz-crew has mentioned on her/his first point (i.e. connected to PED).
However, why is it only on domestic flights but not international flights? Also, does it mean that cabin safety manuals are different for domestic and international flights (that's why cabin crew didn't request turning off the NC headphones)?
However, why is it only on domestic flights but not international flights? Also, does it mean that cabin safety manuals are different for domestic and international flights (that's why cabin crew didn't request turning off the NC headphones)?
Apr 22, 2011, 3:56 am
#11
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Apr 23, 2011, 1:42 am
#12
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: New Zealand
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With over 100 international flights in the last year I have only been asked twice to take off my Bose NC headphones - Once on Qantas OZ domestic and the other two weeks ago on Aer Lingus. Never had a problem on TT flights or on the handful of NZ domestic flights flown.